Building From Within: How MAI Capital Is Developing Women Leaders to Better Serve Women Clients

The Women's Network was founded by Lesa Evans, Chief Human Resources Officer at MAI Capital Management, and Lynne Lawrence, Managing Director, Investments at MAI Capital Management, in 2022. An internal community and platform to support women's professional development, it was formed with a dual mission: to strengthen connections among the women inside MAI, and to expand how we show up for women outside the firm, as clients, prospects, and community members.

They wanted to create a space where women at every level of the firm - advisors, support staff, and leadership - could connect, grow, and learn together across offices and teams. MAI has always been a relationship-driven firm. The Women's Network is an extension of that, building deeper relationships internally so we can show up better externally.

According to Lesa, "When Lynne and I had the idea to create the Women's Network, we looked at it from two perspectives. One is internal-facing: how are we connecting all the women teammates across the firm together, creating a community. Community service is a big aspect of what the Women's Network has leaned into on the internal side. On the external side, it's bringing together the thought leadership and talent that we have to go out and make a difference, and sell a value proposition to female clients."

"And ultimately, this is about belonging. Every woman who walks into MAI should see herself reflected in this network, in its leadership, its programming, its future. There's a seat at the table and we want you in it," continues Lesa.

Investing In Our People

Financial services is traditionally a male-dominated field. Building a network specifically for women at MAI signals something important, that we value diverse voices and that we're investing in the people who are going to help grow this firm. The anticipated result is a firm better equipped to serve the growing population of women who control or influence household wealth - a demographic that will only become more central to the future of wealth management.

"Financial services needs to attract more women, as clients, as advisors, and as future leaders. When we show up in the community this way, we're building awareness and trust with the people we want to reach," says Lesa.

The network created a welcoming platform for new employees. When you join a firm and there's already a community ready to include you, it changes how quickly you feel at home. The network is a space for open dialog, sharing experiences, navigating challenges, and celebrating wins. In addition, the network surfaces women across the firm who might not otherwise know one another: their expertise, their stories, and their paths.

Programs & Initiatives

The Women's Network operates across several interconnected programs designed to build advisor capability, deepen firm-wide relationships, and elevate MAI's voice on issues that matter to women in wealth management.

A curated knowledge repository and Spotlight Series - featuring perspectives from women across the firm - keep members informed on industry trends and professional development. A firm-wide book club and discussion board foster cross-office connection, helping to ensure that advisors in different markets can learn from and support one another. A central digital hub ties it all together, giving members a consistent resource regardless of where they sit in the organization.

The result is a network that doesn't just connect people - it builds the kind of informed, connected advisors who are better equipped to serve the growing population of women navigating major financial decisions.

The Executive Women's Forum

Lesa and Lynne launched a bi-annual event series for The Women's Network. Called the "Executive Women's Forum," the event gathers 40+ senior leaders across the firm for three days of strategy, networking, panel discussions, education, team building, and more.

The most recent Executive Women's Forum was held in June 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona, and was co-hosted with Jane Eagle, Managing Partner at Evoke, a Division of MAI Capital.

According to Lynne, "An event like this matters because it allows us to come together as women in the firm. We discuss how to grow the business and make a difference in other women's lives as they go through transitions or different events in their lives. The world is evolving and women are playing a larger role in wealth management and wealth transfers."

Jane notes that traditionally, wealth management has been a male-dominated industry. "At MAI we've gone a long way in terms of building women into the business and making them part of our leadership, part of the fabric of our business. The vision here is to allow those women to come together to support each other and to think through how we can move this business to the next stage."

Event Takeaways

The conversations at the Forum weren't just internal reflections - they were a direct signal of where client needs are heading and how MAI is positioning itself to meet them.

During the event, several themes emerged that reflect the evolving needs of today's investors and families.

Women Continue to Shape the Future of Wealth

Women increasingly play a central role in wealth creation, wealth stewardship, and family financial decision-making. Understanding their goals, priorities, and experiences is an important part of serving modern families.

Community Creates Meaningful Connections

Shared experiences, educational opportunities, and community engagement can create connections that extend beyond financial planning. These relationships often strengthen trust and foster long-term engagement.

Comprehensive Wealth Planning Requires Coordination

Financial decisions rarely exist in isolation. Investment management, tax planning, estate planning, insurance, philanthropy, and family considerations are interconnected. Effective planning brings these elements together into a coordinated strategy.

Major Life Transitions Demand Both Expertise and Empathy

Life transitions, including divorce, widowhood, business exits, and shifts in financial responsibility require more than technical advice. They call for guidance, education, support, and empathy during periods of uncertainty.

Financial Confidence Begins with Education

People tend to be more confident making important financial decisions when they understand their options and the reasoning behind recommendations. Education helps turn complexity into clarity.

Advocacy Is an Important Part of Wealth Management

Financial guidance means helping clients navigate conversations with attorneys, accountants, and other professionals by asking questions, challenging assumptions, and clarifying implications along the way.

Family Conversations Are Critical to Long-Term Success

Successful wealth planning often extends beyond one individual. Preparing the next generation, improving financial literacy, and fostering communication across generations can help strengthen long-term outcomes.

For More Information

The Women's Network is still growing - in membership, programming, and impact. We're committed to continuing to invest in the women who make this firm exceptional and the clients who trust us with what matters to them.

Any suggestions contained herein are general, and do not take into account an individual's or entity's specific circumstances or applicable governing law, which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and be subject to change. Distribution hereof does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, investment, or other professional advice. Recipients should consult their professional advisors prior to acting on the information set forth herein.

MAI Capital Management, LLC, is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.